Does metal have to be polished before chroming?

DJHA90

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Dec 17, 2002

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Texas

Jan 9, 2006

#1

• Jan 9, 2006

• #1

Like the Title says...

 

DarkProphet

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Aug 19, 2002

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Quakertown, PA

Jan 9, 2006

#2

• Jan 9, 2006

• #2

No, I dont belive it does. I know they use a bunch of washes which strips and cleans the metal. So as long as its clean I think it can be chromed.

 

illwood

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Apr 3, 2004

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Worcester, MA

Jan 9, 2006

#3

• Jan 9, 2006

• #3

DarkProphet said:

No, I dont belive it does. I know they use a bunch of washes which strips and cleans the metal. So as long as its clean I think it can be chromed.

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Well, you're partially right. To just have something chromed, you don't have to polish it. However this will only give you a satin chrome finish (have a look at a machinist's rule to see this finish). It looks good, but isn't very shiny. The polishing is what makes chroming expensive.

 

Zero Signal

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Feb 24, 2003

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Tucson, AZ

Jan 9, 2006

#4

• Jan 9, 2006

• #4

You need it pretty smooth if you want a mirror finish. The process will fill in about 400 grit equivalent at best. The chrome is a thick layer of copper, then some nickel and the chrome you see on top, so the copper will help to smooth out imperfections to a certain degree.

 

mo_dingo

20+ Year Stangneter

Aug 26, 2003

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Tucson, AZ

Jan 9, 2006

#5

• Jan 9, 2006

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When we plated gold at my dad's jewelry store, we buffed it until it was nice and shiny. And I would recommend you do the same.
Scott

 

KK6695GT

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Nov 26, 2005

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Indiana

Jan 9, 2006

#6

• Jan 9, 2006

• #6

Yes!!!!!!!!

The copper plating is put on first to fill imperfections and to be buffed/polished. Chrome plating is extremely thin and any imperfections left before the chrome plating will show afterwords. Think of a paint job but ten times worse. Just like prep make a paint job, polishing make a chrome job. Chrome is the topcoat, not the sandable filler stage.